Lions TE Sam LaPorta sounds off on Ben Johnson's departure for Bears
Lions TE Sam LaPorta sounds off on Ben Johnson's departure for Bears
Ben Johnson has been a major headline this offseason, after departing his role as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson's departure from the top-seeded Lions has raised the intensity in the Chicago-Detroit rivalry.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has not been shy in voicing his opinion about the Bears this offseason, and now his teammate Sam LaPorta is joining him. LaPorta, a second round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, worked with Johnson for his first two years in the league, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
LaPorta recently spoke with Kay Adams and discussed his former offensive coordinator, saying he's happy for Johnson, but friends have turned into enemies.
"Of course I'm happy for Ben, he was one of the big reasons that they brought me into the Lions, nothing but respect for him," LaPorta said. "On Sunday afternoons this fall, there will be friends turned enemies. It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy, effort and hard work together. You're excited he's going to run his own team, it's very exciting times for him, but it's very exciting times for us too as well as we turn to our new coaching staff."
Chicago's rivalry with Detroit has gotten a bit more interesting going into next season. The Bears are hopeful that Johnson brings that same offensive success he had in Detroit to Chicago. If Johnson can turn this Bears squad into a contender, it'll be quite the divisional battle to watch in the coming years.
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